Although the drug known as "tik" has only recently enjoyed mass media attention in South Africa it is actually an old drug that has been around for many years. It is also known as "speed" or "meth". The South African slang term ("tik") was given to it from the sound that it makes when smoked in a glass pipe. As the glass heats it makes a clicking sound which reminded the users of a typewriter ("tik" is Afrikaans for "type").
Tik is an illegal street drug with no valid medicinal use. It is a controlled substance and highly dangerous to use. Heavy use of tik leads to behavioural changes, psychosis, brain damage, and severe physical degradation. For an example of the effect of tik please have a look at the image on this page which shows how a woman changed. It is particularly telling that she was arrested 8 times in 7 years. Clearly tik created legal problems for her. Many abusers will commit crimes to support their drug habit.
The chemical name for tik is methamphetamine. It is a powerful stimulant and using it leads to sleeplessness, paranoia, loss of appetite, itching sensations in the skin, and many other negative side-effects. When arriving at a tik rehab a patient will be given a medical assessment to ensure that an appropriate detoxification regime can be prescribed.
Minnesota House uses an internationally acclaimed model of treamtent that promotes a holistic understanding of the patient. This is accomplished by employing a multi-disciplinary team that includes medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, and addiction counselors.
Our tik treatment will last from 6 to 12 weeks. As part of the program patients will join therapeutic groups, have one-to-one sessions with therapists, join gym sessions, have the chance to meet with a pastor, and attend a regular 12 Step Meeting. By using a variety of program activities the various spheres of tik recovery are promoted. |
